Pluskota and Danzeisen back in town

Frank Pluskota of the Moose Jaw Miller Express hit a single in his season debut on Sunday afternoon at Ross Wells Park. He and Drew Danzeisen are two additions to the lineups for the Express. Times-Herald photo by Katie Brickman

Drew Danzeisen made his season debut on June 11 and has appeared in four games thus far.

“I am glad to be back here and it is awesome,” said Danzeisen. “I was looking forward to this all year and playing with the boys. It is a good atmosphere and good fans. I was really excited to get back.”

Frank Pluskota arrived late last week and made his debut on Sunday against the Lethbridge Bulls.

“I am happy to be back,” said Pluskota. “I didn’t know I was coming up here until about three weeks ago, but I am glad to be back.”

Both players were on the team last year and were successful in their roles. Now, they will be looked upon as veterans on the field and in the dugout.

“It is great because they are returning guys and they know what we expect,” said Michael Hunt, head coach for the Express. “It is not like it is a big learning curve when they get here.”

Danzeisen was one of the late arrivals, as he was at school and stayed in Las Vegas to attend his brother’s graduation.

The chemistry of the team last season was a big reason why the shortstop wanted to come back for another season with the black and yellow.

“It was one of the closest-knit team I’ve ever played for and that’s what I enjoyed,” he said. “It is good to see some returnees back here and that got me excited to come back.”

Pluskota wasn’t actually planning on coming back for a second season with the Express as he was focused on his future plans in the sport.

“I was hoping to be picked up by some pro teams, primarily, independent ball teams,” he explained. “I went to some tryouts and it didn’t work out. It looks like my shot for those guys will be next year.”

Both players add an edge defensively to the Express, especially with Pluskota in the outfield, but also offensively too.

“It gives us a lot of depth. We have a lot of lefties, so adding those two righties, it gives up a lot of matchups,” said Hunt.

Hunt was impressed with what he has already seen from the two of them at the plate.

“There isn’t a lot of rust on them at all. Drew’s first swing was a triple when he got here the other day,” he said. “Frank was a dribbler for a single, but they are ready to go.”

Not only will they help the Express in the lineup, but Hunt also likes what they bring to the locker room.

“They add trust. They are guys that are going to work hard every day and they won’t fake it,” Hunt said. “They are guys that people like and they are great for the clubhouse.”

Frank Pluskota of the Moose Jaw Miller Express hit a single in his season debut on Sunday afternoon at Ross Wells Park. He and Drew Danzeisen are two additions to the lineups for the Express. Times-Herald photo by Katie Brickman